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Frances Perkins: Trailblazer for Labor and Refugee Rights

Having narrowly missed President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inauguration, Frances Perkins seized the moment upon her arrival, immediately becoming a focal point in the political landscape of the early 1930s. On that wet March day in 1933, reporters crowded around the new Secretary of Labor, intrigued by her presence as the nation grappled with the devastating impacts of the Great Depression.

Historian Rebecca Brenner Graham captures Perkins’ unique background in her recent book, Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’ Efforts to Aid Refugees From Nazi Germany. An outsider in many respects, Perkins emerged as a pivotal figure in the New Deal, helping to shape a series of monumental policies including the Social Security Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Her efforts were instrumental in transforming the labor landscape during Roosevelt’s presidency.

As World War II loomed and Nazi Germany intensified its persecution of Jews, Perkins’ role took on new urgency. Overseeing the Immigration and Naturalization Service, she confronted an influx of desperate pleas for assistance from thousands seeking refuge in America. Perkins meticulously reviewed each letter, determined to find a way to help amidst an environment rife with restrictive quotas and legislation.

Perkins faced considerable opposition, including a congressional campaign aimed at her impeachment, as she championed the cause of refugees and sought to alter immigration policies to make America a safe haven for the oppressed. “Could the U.S. be a refuge to oppressed people? Did it want to be?” Graham eloquently notes the challenges Perkins encountered as she struggled against prevailing prejudices.

In an interview surrounding the release of Dear Miss Perkins, Graham elaborated on Perkins’ background and the foundation that underpinned her cabinet position.

Early Influences and Experiences

Graham first discovered Perkins’ story through her connection to Mount Holyoke College, where Perkins graduated in 1902. As a senior, she organized research on Perkins’ life for donation to the Frances Perkins Center. Perkins, who grew up in Massachusetts and worked in settlement houses, found her calling in advocating for labor rights through both education and government experience. Her appointment as Secretary of Labor was heavily influenced by her previous role as New York’s industrial commissioner, where her advocacy for women’s labor rights had made a significant impact.

The Role of Mentors

Perkins’ success can be attributed to her strong network of mentors and allies, especially among women. Professors and activists from her Mount Holyoke days showed her the realities of labor and poverty, while social reformers like Florence Kelley guided her advocacy against child labor. Together, these relationships prepared Perkins for her eventual leadership roles in both state and national arenas.

Political Ideals and Relationship with Roosevelt

Shared values with Roosevelt were central to Perkins’ work. Both held a commitment to using government as a tool for social good. During contentious times, such as the attempts to impeach her for not deporting certain individuals, Perkins maintained her integrity, emphasizing the ideals of democracy and fairness in her responses.

Reforming Immigration Practices

Perkins had to navigate restrictive immigration laws that did not officially recognize “refugees” until decades later. One of her initiatives included merging the Immigration Bureau and the Naturalization Bureau to form the Immigration and Naturalization Service, through which she sought to alleviate the bureaucratic burdens faced by refugees. Her reforms ultimately opened pathways for many individuals fleeing persecution.

The Human Side of Policy

Reading letters from desperate refugees gave Perkins a glimpse into their lives and struggles. Correspondence from various acquaintances illustrated the personal connections that fueled her efforts, even when systemic barriers were insurmountable. She often found that while she could help some, others faced obstacles unable to be overcome within the rigid immigration framework of the time.

The Alaska Plan and Broader Implications

In 1940, discussions emerged around a plan to resettle Jewish refugees in Alaska, suggesting its economic development along with providing a safe haven. While Perkins supported this idea, it also highlighted a troubling aspect of American settler colonialism, as the interests of Alaska’s Indigenous populations and the refugees were not meaningfully considered in those dialogues.

A Legacy of Advocacy

Despite not seeking to author a biography of Roosevelt, Perkins penned The Roosevelt I Knew, often downplaying her contributions in favor of praising the president. This reflects her nature of prioritizing collective efforts over personal recognition.

Ultimately, Perkins’ story is one of resilience and advocacy. She grappled with both personal ambition and the broader institutional barriers that refugees faced. Despite the challenges, she envisioned a system that could support those in need through structured support and collective action, making her an emblematic figure of American social reform during a pivotal time in history.

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